Photographic film unit

ABSTRACT

A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes preregistered photosensitive and process elements mounted on a carrier sheet having a cooperating pod for supplying a fluid processing composition to the preregistered elements and a trap for receiving and retaining any excess processing composition from the elements. The preregistered elements are easily separable from the carrier sheet, pod, and trap, the pod and trap being permanently coupled to the carrier sheet for convenient disposal after processing. An extension of the pod is interposed between the leading ends of the preregistered elements to direct the processing composition between the elements, and a coating of cohesive cement is provided on the interior surface of each of those ends to couple the two together after the processing composition has passed between them. A coating of cohesive cement is also provided on the interior surfaces of the pod extension to seal the extension closed after the processing composition has passed through it.

United States Patent [1 1 Nerwin 1 1 PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT [75]lnventor: Hubert Nerwip, Rochester, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: Feb. 1, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 111,465

[52] U.S. Cl. 96/76 R, 96/29 R [51] Int. Cl G03c H48 [58] Field ofSearch 96/29, 76

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,352,674 ll/1967 Harvey96/76 X 3,680,456 .8/1972 Nerwin 96/76 R X 2,662,822 12/1953 Land 96/293,582,335 6/1971 Erlichman 96/29 3,615,421 10/1971 Land 96/29 3,615,54010/1971 Land... 96/29 3,479,184 11/1969 Land 96/29 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 1,225,724 3/1971 Great Britain 96/76 X Aug. 7, 1973 PrimaryExaminer-Norman G. Torchin Assistant Examiner-John L. GoodrowAtt0rney-Robert W. Hampton and William C. Dixon, 111

[57] ABSTRACT A photographic film unit of the self-processing typeincludes preregistered photosensitive and process elements mounted on acarrier sheet having a cooperating pod for supplying a fluid processingcomposition to the preregistered elementsand a trap for receiving andretaining any excess processing composition from the elements. Thepreregistered elements are easily separable from the carrier sheet, pod,and trap, the pod and trap being permanently coupled to the carriersheet for convenient disposal after processing. An extension of the podis interposed between the leading ends of the preregistered elements todirect the processing composition between the elements, and a coating ofcohesive cement is provided on the interior surface of each of thoseends to couple the two together after the processing composition haspassed between them. A coating of cohesive cement is also provided'onthe interior surfaces of the pod extensionto seal the extension closedafter the processing composition has passed through it.

31 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU 7575 sum 10? 4 FIG.|

HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR. M00

ATTORNEYS PAIENIEM 3.751.254

SHEET 2 0f 4 nmw W3 v99 vwvi wvvw w INVENTOR. BY 44%.. 05 4 m ATTORNEYSPMENIEBAHB m HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSReference is made to commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application,Ser. No. 033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1, 1970in the name of Donald M. Harvey; commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat.application, Ser. No. 70,835, entitled Photographic Film Unit and filedSept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin; and commonly assigned,copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser, No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit andfiled Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates generally to photographic film units of the self-processingtype, and particularly to such film units comprising preregisteredphotosensitive and process elements removably. mounted on a carriersheet.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is well known in the photographicarts to provide film units with materials for processing the unitsimmediately after their exposure. Generally such units include aphotosensitive element, comprising a support having thereon at least onelayer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to beregistered over the photosensitive element for processing. A viscousfluid processing composition is released from a rupturable pod at oneend 'of the unit and is spread toward the other end by passing the unitbetween juxtaposed pressure-applying members that distribute thecomposition in a layer of predetermined thickness between the twoelements. The distributed composition then permeates the layers of theunit to effect development of the photosensitive layer(s), and animagewise distribution of dye or silver diffuses to or is formed on animage-receiving layer in either the photosensitive or second element toform the finished print.

In most presently commercial film units, generally referred to as beingof the peel-apart type, the photosensitive and second elements areseparated before and during exposure, and thereafter are brought intosuperposition for processing. The image-receiving layer is in the secondelement, and that element is stripped from the rest of the unit afterprocessing to provide a positive, right-reading print. Such units aredisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pats. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

This invention is concerned with a more recently de-- veloped type offilm unit, generally referred to as a preregistered" or integralunit,'in which a photosensitive element and a process sheet or secondelement are supplied as a permanently registered, integral pair ofelements. The elements of such a unit are superposed prior to exposureand remain superposed after processing. The process sheet or secondelement is transparent to permit exposure of .the photosensitivematerial from the top side" of the unit, and the imagereceiving layer islocated in either the process sheet or, preferably, the photosensitiveelement to provide a positive image that does not need to be strippedfrom the rest of the unit. Film units of the type having theimage-receiving layer located in the process sheet are disclosed, forexample, in French Pat. Nos. 2,006,255and 2,006,256, granted to PolaroidCorporation and published Dec. 26, .1969. Film units of the type havingthe image-receiving layer located in the photosensitive element aredisclosed, for example, in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled Photographic Film Unit ForDiffusion Transfer Processing, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of HaroldE. Cole.

The development of commercially practical film units of thepreregistered or integral type has constituted a significant step towardalleviating some of the problems inherent in peel-apart units, such asthose encountered in first superposing and then separating thephotosensitive and image-receiving elements. At the same time, however,numerous and often unexpected new problems have been encountered. Forexample, with a peel-apart unit it is relatively easy to separate thefinished print from its leader, pod, trap, and other processing wastematerial. Such separation is facilitated by the moistened condition ofthe interface between the photosensitive and image-receiving elements,the moistened condition resulting from the distribution of theprocessing composition between those elements. In integral units,however, the finished printcomprises the photosensitive element andprocess sheet permanently attached to each other, and separation of theprocessing waste materials therefrom may be more difficult because itdoes not occur at the moistened interfaceprovided by the distributedprocessing composition.

In commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. applications, Ser. No.033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1, 1970 in thename of Donald M. Harvey, and Ser. No. 70,835, entitled PhotographicFilm Unit and filed Sept. 9, 1970, in the name of Hubert Nerwin, therehave been disclosed integral film units which associated leaders, pods,and traps that provide solutions to certain of the aforementionedproblems. A particular problem not completely solved in those twoapplications is that of providing an effi-' cient means of convenientlyand positively sealing the leading ends of the photosensitive elementand process sheet together after the processing composition has passedfrom the pod between those two ends to the interface between saidelement and said sheet. A similar problem not there solved is that ofproviding an efficient means of conveniently and positively sealing thetrailing end of the pod, or its extension, closed after the fluid haspassed therefrom to the interface between said element and said sheet.In the aforementioned French Pats. No. 2,006,255 and No. 2,006,256, the

leading end of the film unit there disclosed is sealed closed afterremoval of its associated pod by means of a tape which the user foldsaround the leading edge and presses firmly down upon the upper surfaceof that edge. A similar arrangement is disclosed in the aforementionedU.S. Pat. application, Ser. No 027,990. Such use of a tape to be foldedover the leading edge of a film unit by the user is believed to be notentirely satisfactory for providing a positive, fool-proof seal againstpossible escape of the processing composition from between the twoelements of the unit. That arrangement also presents some inconvenienceto the user in requiring him to carefully fold the tape over the leadingedge and press the tape down firmly along its entire length in order toeffect the desired seal. More'- over, use of a tape for this purposeobviously entails an additional part in the manufacture of the film unitand therefore adds to the cost of such a-unit. ALso, no-

where in the prior art known to Applicant is there disclosed any meansof sealing the trailing end of the pod or its extension closed after theusable portion of processing composition provided thereby has passed tothe film unit. Consequently, an efficient means of conveniently andpositively sealing the leading ends of the photosensitive and processelements together after the processing composition has passedtherebetween, and an efficient means of sealing the trailing end of thepod or its extension closed after the processing composition has passedtherethrough, are highly desirable in order to prevent unintended escapeof any residual processing composition from between the two elementsfrom the pod, particularly in view of the possible effects which thecaustic nature of such composition may have on the surroundingenvironment, such as the skin or clothing of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present inventionis to provide an improved self-processing film unit comprisingphotosensitive and process elements wherein the unit includes anefficient means of conveniently and positively sealing the leading endsof the two elements closed after processing composition has beenintroduced between said elements. Another object of the invention is toprovide such an improved film unit further comprising a pod containingthe processing composition or an extension thereof removably coupled tosaid elements wherein the unit further includes an efficient means ofconveniently and positively sealing the trailing end of the pod or itsextension closed after the usable portion of the processing compositionhas passed through said trailing end. A further object of the inventionis to provide such an improved film unit having such a pod or extensionthereof removably coupled to said elements wherein the film unit furtherincludes means for facilitating the removal of the pod or its extensionfrom the two elements. A still further object of the invention is toprovide such an improved film unit at a minimum cost of manufacture inorder to provide the benefits obtainable from such a unit at a minimumcost to the ultimate user.

To meet these and other objects, the present invention provides animproved self-processing film unit comprising a pair of preregistered,superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material forestablishing a developable latent image of a subject to which thephotosensitive material can be exposed and a layer of image-recordingmaterial for recording a visible image in response to development of thelatent image, each of the two elements having first and secondlongitudinal marginal portions along which the elements are permanentlycoupled to each other, first and second transverse marginal portionsinterconnecting the longitudinal marginal portions, and an image portionintermediate the marginal portions, each portion of each element havingan inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one elementfacing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, thetwo elements being separable from each other at the inward-facingsurfaces of their first transverse marginal and image portions so that aprocessing composition adapted to effect development of the latent imageand recording of the visible image can be supplied between the firsttransverse marginal portions to the image portions. The improvedself-processing film unit of the present invention also comprises meansfor supplying the processing composition between the first transversemarginal portions to the image portions, the supplying means including arupturable pod containing the processing composition and means fordirecting the composition from the pod, when ruptured, between the firsttransverse marginal portions to the image portions, the directing meanshaving a first end portion coupled to the pod for receiving thecomposition from the pod, when ruptured, and a second end portionremovably disposed between and adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces ofthe first transverse marginal portions for directing the composition,when received from the pod, to the image portions. The improvedself-processing film unit of the present invention further comprisesmeans on the inward-facing surface of at least one of the firsttransverse marginal portions of the two elements for coupling the firsttransverse marginal portions to each other upon application of acompressive force urging the first transverse marginal portionstogether. The improved self-processing film unit of the presentinvention may also include moisture-sensitive means on the second .endportion of the directing means for sealing the second end portion closedafter the composition has passed therethrough. And the improvedself-processing film unit of the present invention may further have thesecond end portion of its directing means folded back upon itself toprovide a back-folded portion and an underlyig main portion between thefirst transverse marginal portions of the two elements, the back-foldedportion being adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of the firsttransverse marginal portions.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparentin the detailed description of the illustrated embodiments presentedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the detailed description of theillustrated embodiments of the invention presented below, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film unit in accordance with thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, with portions thereofbroken away for clarity, of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the film unit of FIG. 1 disposed betweena pair of juxtaposed pressureapplying members;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view, taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 1, showing a portion of the film unit with its leader disposedbetween the pressureapplying members;

FIG. 4 is a more enlarged sectional view of a portion of the film unitof FIG. 3, showing the leading end portions of its photographic elementsdisposed between the pressure-aplying members;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 3 butshowing the image portions of the photo graphic elements disposedbetween the pressureapplying members;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 5 butshowing the unit removed from the pressureapplying members and itsphotographic elements almost completely separated from the remainder ofthe unit;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 6 butshowing the photographic elements completely separated from theremainder of the unit;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the photographicelements of FIG. 7, showing the final sealing of their leading endportions by the user;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the photographicelements of FIG. 8 after they have reverted to their originalconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a film unit inaccordance with the first alternative embodiment of the presentinvention before any portion of the film unit has passed betweenpressure-applying members;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 10 butshowing the leading end portions of the photographic elements of theunit disposed between pressure-applying members; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a film unit inaccordance with the second alternative embodiment of the presentinvention before any portion of the film unit has passed betweenpressure-applying members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Because certain aspects ofphotographic film units and cooperating apparatus are well known, thefollowing description is directed in particular to those elementsforming, or cooperating directly with, the present invention, elementsthat are not specifically shown or described herein being understood tobe selectable from those known in the art.

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings illustrate animproved selfprocessing film unit constructed in accordance with thepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a film unit 1 is shown comprising a carriersheet or leader 2, an image-recording unit 3including photosensitive andprocess elements 4 and 5, respectively, a supplying means 6 forsupplying a fluid processing composition to the image-recording unit,and a trap 7 for receiving and retaining any excess portion of theprocessing composition from the imagerecording unit.

The photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5 are accuratelyconstructed to define sheets having straight edges, square comers, andappropriate borders, and are appropriately registered during manufactureto provide a uniformly fiat, aesthetically pleasing struc ture that willmaintain its integrity after processing. Except for the supplying means,trap, and carrying sheet or leader, image-recording unit 3 is suppliedwith all parts necessary for its processing in cooperation withphotographic apparatus, and all such parts are permanently held togetherwithout adversely affecting the finished print.

Carrier sheet or leader 2 supports, and is coupled to, image-recordingunit 3, supplying means 6, and trap 7, the supplying means and trapbeing coupled to the recording unit in order to discharge the processingcomposition between the photosensitive and process elements at one endof the recording unit and to receive and retain any excess portion ofthe processing compoto facilitate handling of the entire film unit 1from the first stages of its manufacture through completion of thefinished print to disposal of all processing waste material. Carriersheet 2 comprises an individual sheet that is directly coupled to onlyone image-recording unit, although it may also be coupled to othersimilar units, in an assemblage of units. Carrier sheet 2 is adapted tofacilitate its aligntment with the other parts of the film unit duringmanufacture, transport of the film unit from an assemblage of such unitsduring use in cooperating photographic apparatus, and its being rolledup with other processing waste material such as the supplying means andtrap for disposal after processmg.

Supplying means 6 and trap 7 are permanently coupled to carrier sheet 2,and are removably coupled to image-recording unit 3. The image-recordingunit is removably coupled to the carrier sheet. As will be describedmore fully hereinafter, such an arrangement of permanent and removablecouplings permits convenient removal of the image-recording unit(defining the finished print) from the carrier sheet, supplying means,and trap after processing. The carrier sheet, supplying means, and trap,which then comprise the processing waste material, can conveniently berolled up and discarded, the carrier sheet surrounding the pod and trapto protect any sensitive environment (e.g'., the user's clothing orskin) from any processing composition remaining in the waste material.

With regard to the image-recording unit 3, photosen sitive element 4thereof comprises a substantially flat, resilient support of transparentcellulose triacetate film sition from between the two elements at theopposite end of the unit. Carrier sheetZ is particularly adapted basedefining a first or leading end 10, a second or trailing end 11,longitudinal edges 13 and 15, and a central or image portion 16. Atleast the image portion 16 supports one or more layers ofimage-receiving material, opaque reflecting material, and silver halideemulsion with associated dye and image-providing material. Such layerspreferably are arranged in the order given, the support being locatednear the bottom or lower face of the element adjacent to carrier sheet2, so that the support protects that side of the unit, and the silverhalide emulsion being located near the top or upper face of the elementso that the emulsion is protected by the transparent process sheet 5. Aswill become more apparent hereinafter, the silver halide emulsion isadapted to be exposed through process sheet 5, i.e., from the top sideof the unit, and the developed print is adapted to be viewed through thetransparent support, i.e., from the bottom side of the unit.

Photosensitive element 4 further includes appropriate means, illustratedby imaginary lines as a border 20 comprising longitudinal marginalportions 20a, 20b and transverse marginal portions 20c, 20d, fordefining an exposure frame within which a latent image can be developedand a print frame (preferably white) within which a visible image can berecorded. The exposure and print frames are coextensive and may bedefined in, any one of a number of ways including pre-flash andphoto-resist techniques applied to one or more layers of the element.

The process sheet or second element 5 also is preferably formed from atransparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, anddefines a resilient, substantially flat sheet having leading andtrailing ends, longitudinal edges, and a central or image portioncorresponding to and coextensive with their counterparts inphotosensitive element 4. To avoid crowding of the drawing, separatereference numerals have not been applied to these corresponding parts ofprocess sheet 5. It should bee understood, however, that such parts arealigned with and can be referred to or located by the reference numeralsapplied to their counterparts in photosensitive element 4 just as theyare referred to in the same or similar terms. In addition tofacilitating the spreading of the processing composition, to bedescribed more fully hereinafter, transparent process sheet protects thetop side of photosensitive element sion.

Photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5 are rectangular andcoextensive with each other, and are maintained in their preregistered,superposed, facing relationship by any permanent coupling means 21 tomaintain the structural integrity of image-recording unit 3. Asillustrated and described more fully in commonly assigned, copendingU.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit and filedSept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin, coupling means 21 maycomprise a contact-sensitive, cohesive material applied to bothphotosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5. Other satisfactorycoupling means may be provided by heat or sonic seals, or by adhesivematerial applied to either one 0 both of the photosensitive element andprocess sheet. Preferably, the coupling means extends along longitudinalmarginal portions 20a and 20b, adjacent to longitudinal edges 13 and 15,respectively, from leading end to trailing end 11. The resultingcoupling should be sufficiently impervious to the processing compositionto prevent its premature escape from between the longitudinal edgesduring processing.

Regardless of the particular type of coupling means used, thephotosensitive and process elements are secured substantially in directcontacting relationship, or the equivalent thereof, along theirlongitudinal marginal portions so that their central or image portionsare retained in their preregistered, superposed relationship. As will bedescribed hereinafter, transverse marginal portions 20c of elements 4and 5 are resiliently separable to permit the introduction of processingcomposition between the two elements at their leading ends; similarly,transverse marginal portions 20d of elements 4 and 5 are resilientlyseparable to permit the discharging of any excess portion of thecomposition from between the two elements at their trailing ends.

Image-recording unit 3, comprising photosensitive element 4 and processsheet 5, is particularly adapted to cooperate with various parts of themore comprehensive film unit 1. Film unit 1 includes, in addition toimage-recording unit 3, the carrier sheet or leade 2, supplying means 6,and trap 7, all of which cooperate with unit 3 to effect the recordingof an image therein when used in suitable photographic apparatus.

Trap 7 generally comprises one or more lifters or spacers 41 and a skirt43 permanently coupled to the trailing end portion of carrier sheet 2,the skirt overlying spacers 41 and transverse marginal portion 20d ofprocess sheet 5 to confine any received excess processing compositionbetween the spacers. The spacers are substantially incompressible andcooperate with carrier sheet 2 and skirt 43 to define surfaces enclosinga chamber or void that is maintained even when that portion of the filmunit passes between pressure-applying members of cooperatingphotographic apparatus.

- 4 while permitting exposure of the silver halide emul- Supplying means6 may include various cooperating parts which together define suitablemeans for supplying processing composition to image-recording unit 3.Supplying means 6 includes a rupturable container or pod 45 generallycomprising a rectangular blank of vapor-impervious material that isfolded over upon itself to form a folded leading end 47, a first pair oflongitudinal edges 49 which are permanently coupled together, a secondpair of longitudinal edges 51 which are permanently coupled together,and a pair of trailing edges 53 which are rupturably coupled together soas to permit ready release of processing composition from the pod inresponse to hydraulic pressure generated by the composition when the podis passed between pressureapplying members of cooperating photographicapparatus. The container or pod 45 cooperates with leading end 10 ofimage-recording unit 3 to discharge the processing composition betweenphotosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, and for this purpose iscoupled to a directing means or funnel 57 having a trailing end portioninserted between the transverse marginal portions 20c photosensitiveelement 4 and process sheet 5, as will be described more fullyhereinafter.

Carrier sheet 2 comprises an elongate web of flexible material that canconveniently be cut as a single piece having the desired shape. Theconfigurationillustrated permits assembly of each film unitindependently of other such units and in a manner especially conduciveto assembly-line or automated methods. By way of example only, thecarrier sheet can be laid out on a flat vacuum table, and the variouscooperacing parts, such as image-recording unit 3, supplying means 6,spacers 41, and skirt 43 can then be appropriately coupled to theoutstretched surface of the carrier sheet. v

Carrier sheet 2 may also serve to interconnect various ones of aplurality of film units in an assemblage or pack thereof (not shown),and to transport the units in photographic apparatus such as a cartridgeor camera (not shown). For that purpose, carrier sheet 2 is adapted tobe folded in almost any desired manner at one or more locations alongits leading end portion for suitable attachment to other units. Theassemblage may be assembled in many different arrangements, both simpleand complex, with no significant change in the unit itself except,perhaps, in the manner of folding the carrier sheet or in the attachmentof one or more supplemental leaders (not shown).

Carrier sheet 2 preferably is cut from a continuous roll of coatedpaper. Such paper should be flexible and easily folded while resistingtearing or cracking even after long periods of storage. Moreover, itsould be strong in tension and have a protective coating to repelfluids, such as the processing composition, that might result inreducing its strength. The same coating can enhance the performance ofthe carrier sheet by reducing its coefficient of friction and therebyrendering it more slidable over other film units in an assemblage. Thecarrier sheet should have a slight resiliency, i.e., it should beneither so stiff nor so resilient as to interfere with its being foldedto provide a compact and compressible stack of units. Also, the carriersheet should accept a wide variety of coupling means, such as adhevsives, cohesives, and seals (e.g., ultrasonic or heat), so that it canbe suitably coupled to the various other parts comprising the overallfilm unit.

Carrier sheet 2 comprises a first or leading end portion 59, a second ortrailing end portion 61, and a central or unit-supporting portion 63.The length of leading end portion 59 depends upon many factors, such asthe manner in which a plurality of film units are to be connected in anassemblage thereof. In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier sheet ofone film unit is adapted to be coupled to the carrier sheet of anotherfilm unit near the leading end of the other unit, and therefore extendssomewhat beyond pod 45 as shown. Should it be desired to couple thecarrier sheet of one film unit to the carrier sheet of another film unitnear the trailing end of the other unit, leading end portion 59 could beextended by an appropriate amount or a supplemental leader could beprovided to increase the effective length of the carrier sheet.

The central of unit-supporting portion 63 of the carrier sheet isprovided with suitable coupling means, such as adhesives, cohesives, orseals 65, 67, 69, and 70, for coupling pod 45, funnel 57,image-recording unit 3, and trap 7, respectively, to the carrier sheet.The

coupling means may be an adhesive applied only to the carrier sheet oronly to the pod, funnel, imagerecording unit, and trap. Preferably,however, especially for the pod, funnel, and trap, a cohesive is appliedto the carrier sheet and to each of the parts to be coupled thereto,since a cohesive, once applied, will adhere only to the same or asimilar cohesive. Thus, a suitable cohesive may be applied to each ofthe parts at a plant location other than, and at a time prior to, theirassembly. The parts, then, can be hand-led with the cohesive applied,and no particular precautionary measure need be taken to prevent themfrom sticking to the handling apparatus. When the parts are assembled intheir intended contacting relationship, however, the cohesive on eachcontacting part immediately becomes effective to couple those partstogether in the desired manner, e.g., removably in the case of theimage-recording unit or permanently in the case of the pod, funnel, andtrap.

The coupling means may be applied to the entire I contacting area ofeach part or to only a portion of such area. Preferably, the cohesive isapplied to a substantial portion of each contacting area of the pod,funnel, and trap to provide a permanent coupling between those parts andthe carrier sheet, but is applied to only small discrete portions ofeach contacting area of the imagerecording unit to provide a separableor removable coupling between that part and the carrier sheet. Also,corner portions 71 of image-recording unit 3 may be left free toseparate from the carrier sheet when grasped by the user to facilitateremoval of imagerecording unit 3 from the remainder of film unit 1 afterprocessing.

Funnel 57 and trap 7 are also removably coupled to image-recording unit3. Preferably, however, such coupling is only functional. As will bedescribed more fully hereinafter, the lips at the trailing end of funnel57 are disposed between the transverse marginal portions c ofphotosensitive and process elements 4 and 5, and transverse marginalportions 20d of the photosensitive and process elements are disposedunder lip 72 of the trap skirt 43, no adhesive, cohesive, or othercoupling means being required. This general arrangement is illustratedand described in commonly assigned, copending US. Pat. application, Ser.No. 033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1., 1970 inthe name of Donald M. Harvey.

Referring now to FIG. 2, film unit 1 is intended to be used inphotographic apparatus such as a camera having stepped pressure-applyingmembers 77 and 79, as illustrated and described in commonly assigned,copending US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit andfiled Sept. 9,1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin. In operation, raisedshoulder portions 77a and 79a of pressure-applying members 77 and 79 areadapted to ride on longitudinal marginal portions 20a and 20b ofimage-recording unit 3 as the unit is pulled between the two members,while recessed central portions 77b and 79b of members 77 and 79 areadapted to rupture pod 45 and spread its processing composition in auniform layer between photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5.

As the processing composition is expelled from pod 45 and distributedbetween the photosensitive and process elements, hydraulic forces withinthe composition separate the two elements throughout their central orimage portions 16 and force them (with the carrier sheet) intoengagement with the recessed central portions 77b and 79b of thepressure-applying members. The distance between central'p'ortions 77band 79b is selected to spread the composition in a layer of suitableinitial thickness, e.g., 0.003 inches. Since the total thickness ofphotosensitive element 4,, process sheet 5, and carrier sheet2 isautomatically accounted for by. the engagement of their longitudinalmarginal portions with raised shoulder portions 77a and 79a of the,pressure-applying members, it has been found that the desired initialthickness can be had by providingeach of I the members with a recessedcentral portion approximately equal in height to three-fourths of suchthick ness. I As the processing composition is distributed, it immediately begins to permeate the various layers of the photosensitiveelement to initiate processing. Additionally, various components of theprocessing composition, including water, begin to escape ordissipateentirely through or otherwise from between the photosensitive andprocess elements to the surrounding atmosphere, resulting eventually inthe evaporation of most of the processing composition. The compositioncomprises only a very small percentage of solids, e.g., less than 5percent, and most of the remainder of the composition (essentiallywater) eventually escapes from between the two elements within a fewhours. As a result, the hydraulic forces holding the photosensitive andprocess elements apart are relieved, and the resiliency of the elementseffects their return to facing engagement. By this time, theimage-recording unit again has assumed its original, uniformly flatconfiguration. Since the image-recording unit 3 is adapted to bestripped from the carrier-sheet, as described more fully hereinafter,the finished print will be presented in the very same complete structurethat was accurately cut and assembled as the image-recording unit at thetime of manufacture.

Certain particular features of a film unit according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 3-9. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along line 3-3of FIG. 1, showing film unit 1 ith the leading end portion 59 of itscarrying sheet 2 passing between pressureapplying members 77 and 79.FIG. 4 is a greatly e'nlarged sectional viewof a portion of film unit .1as the transverse marginal portions 2000f its image-recording unit 3 arepassing between the two pressure-applying members. FIG. 5 is an enlargedsectional view simlar to FIG. 3 but showing film unit I as the imageportions 16 of its image-recording unit 3 are passing between thepressure-applying members.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the processing composition directingmeans or funnel 57 is shown as comprising a pair of superposed sheets 81and 83 of flexible, vapor-impervious material, each sheet havinglongitudinal edge portions 85 and 87 along which the two sheets arepermanently coupled to each other, and transverse edge portions 58 and73 forming, respectively, the leading and trailing, end portions of thefunnel. Trailing edges 53 of pod 45 are inserted between and permanentlycoupled to transverse edge portions 58 of funnel 57, as shown, to enablefunnel 57 to receive processing composition from pod 45 when the pod isruptured. At the trailing end of funnel 57, transverse edge portions orlips 73 are inserted between but not otherwise coupled to transversemarginal portions 20c of the photosensitive and process elements 4 and5. Each of the transverse edge portions of lips 73 is folded back uponitself to provide a back-folded portion 74 and an underlying mainportion 75 between the transverse marginal portions 200, eachback-folded portion being adjacent to a respective one of the transversemarginal portions 20c. Use of back-folded lips in this manner offersseveral advantages over lips which are not so folded. First, withdrawalof the trailing end of the funnel from its position between transversemarginal portions 20c is rendered easier because the inserted lips cansimply be peeled or rolled back and thereby unfolded as withdrawal takesplace. Second, the four thicknesses of sheet material of which theback-folded lips are formed make up the desired thickness of processingcomposition between the photosensitive and process elements, so that theback-folded lips are firmly closed when transverse marginal portions 200pass between the pressureapplying members. Third, when the back-foldedlips become unfolded upon their withdrawal from image-recording unit 3,the back-folded portions 74 provide an extension of the funnel whichsafely covers the end of the flow of the processing composition, as willbe described more fully with reference to FIGS. 6-9. As shown mostclearly in FIG. 4, sheets 8i and 83 of funnel 57 are separable from eachother between their longitudinal edge portions 85 and 87 so that theprocessing composition can pass from the pod between the two sheets tothe imagerecording unit. To ensure that lips 73 remain closed after theyhave been withdrawn from image-recording unit 3, the interior orinward-facing surface of each underlying main portion 75 is providedwith a moisturesensitive sealing means76 for sealing the two mainportions together after the fluid processing composition has passedbetween them and they have been brought together by operation of thepressure-applying members.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the transverse mariginal portions 20cof image-recording unit 3 are definedby a photo-resist coating 89applied to the interior or inward-facing surface of photosensitiveelement 4. To provide for the coupling of elements 4 and 5 to each otheralong their transverse marginal portions 200 after the processingcomposition has passed therebetween to image portions 16, a couplingmeans is applied to the interior or inward-facing surface of at leastone of the transverse marginal portions 20c, the coupling means beingadapted to couple portions 200 to each other upon application of acompressive force urging those portions togethe. Such compressive forceis applied by pressure-applying members 77 and 79 as the film unit isdrawn between them. The leading portion of the inward-facing surface ofeach transverse marginal portion 20c is provided with a cohesivecoupling means 88 which is covered over by the adjacent one of theback-folded portions 74 of funnel lips 73. The cohesive coupling means88 on each portion 200 comprises a cohesive cement which does not adherereadily to the adjacent back-folded portion 74 but which will coherereadily with the like coating of cohesive cement on the opposite portion20c after lips 73 have been withdrawn from between the two portions 200.Thus, after lips 73 have been withdrawn, the portions 20c need merely bepressed together by the user in order to effect the desired coupling.

To provide a means for coupling transverse marginal portions 200 to eachother independent of the above action to be taken by the user, anadditional coupling means is applied to the trailing portion of theinterior or inward-facing surface of at least one of the transversemarginal portions 20c, the additional coupling means preferablycomprising a coating of moisturesensitive cohesive cement 90 applied toeach of the opposing interior or inward-facing surfaces although .asuitable adhesive could be applied to only one of those surfaces inorder to effect the desired coupling. FIG. 4 shows film unit 1 as thepressure-applying members 77 and 79 are positioned above and below,respectively, the trailing portions of transverse marginal portions 20chaving coupling means 90 applied thereto. To compensate for thedecreased space between portions 200 at that point, a force-receivingmember 91 is permanently coupled to the underside of carrying sheet orleader 2 beneath and parallel with the coupling means 90. Thus, as thefilm unit is drawn between the pressure-applying members, those membersare urged together by their own biasing means (not shown) to compressimagerecording unit 3 at the point where coupling means 90 is applied,thereby permitting coupling means 90 to effect the desired coupling atthat point. In this fashion, the transverse marginal portions 20c becomesealed closed to avert any back-flow of processing composition betweenportions 20c during processing. FIG. 5

shows film unit 1 when the unit has passed still farther between thepressure-applying members, the members being shown above and below theimage portions 16 of image-recording unit 3.

The manner of removing image-recording unit 3 from supplying means 6,after all of film unit 1 has passed between the pressure-ay'plyingmembers, is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. While any numberof different methods could be used, the most convenient is to first flexor bend carrier sheet 2 downwardly at its trailing end 61, therebycausing trap 7 to be pulled away from transverse marginal portion 20dand the carrier sheet to be stipped from the image-recording unit.Preferably, the image-recording unit is significantly less flexible thanthe carrier sheet, and therefore tends to remain relatively flat. Thenext step is to pull the leading end 59 of the carrier sheet, and withit the pod and funnel, away from the image-recording unit in thedirection indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 6. This causes theback-folded lips 73 to unfold so as to extend beyond the coupling means76 after the lips have been completely withdrawn, as shown in FIG. 7.FIG. 8 shows the user pressing the leading portions of the transversemarginal portions 200 together so that the cohesive coupling means 88will effect the desired coupling at that point. FIG. 9 shows the coupledelements 4 and after theprocessing composition between them has beenabsorbed and/or dried out, leaving the two elements in their original,uniformly flat condition.

Should bending of the carrier sheet in the abovedescribed manner proveineffective as a means of separating the image-recording unit from thesupplying means, trap, and carrier sheet, the user can insert afingernail or other object between the image-recording unit and thecarrier sheet at the unattached comer 71 so as to grasp the unit andmore forcefully separate it from the other parts in a manner similar tothat described above.

The pod, funnel, and trap remain with the carrier sheet after theimage-recording unit has been removed therefrom, and can be rolled up inthe carrier sheet to enclose any remaining processing composition andthereby protect the immediate environment, e.g., the users clothing orskin, from the composition.

THE FIRST ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an improvedselfprocessing film unit constructed in accordance with the firstalternative embodiment of the present invention. Parts that are the samein both the preferred embodiment and the first alternative embodimentare designated by the same reference numerals, whereas parts that differare designated by the same reference numerals primed. As will be seen,the first alternative embodiment is the same as the preferred embodimentexcept that the first alternative embodiment does not have themoisture-sensitive coupling means 90 and the forcereceiving member 91for coupling the transverse marginal portions c to each other alongtheir trailing portions. Also, as will be seen, the photo-resist coating89' of the first alternative embodiment is somewhat narrower than itscounterpart 89 in the preferred embodiment because of the absence of themoisture-sensitive coupling means 90. In all other respects, the twoembodiments are identical, the only coupling means in theimage-recording unit of this embodiment being the cohesive couplingmeans 88' adapted to couple the transverse marginal portions 200 to eachother after withdrawal of lips 73 from portions 20c as in the preferredembodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a film unit according to the firstalternative embodiment as it would appear before passing between thepressure-applying members. FIG. 11 illustrates the same unit as it wouldappear when its leading transverse mariginal portions are disposedbetween the pressure-applying members, which close the lips 73 of funnel57.

THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT An improved self-processing film unitconstructed in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. Parts in this embodimentthat are identical to those in either the preferred embodiment or thefirst alternative embodiment are designated by like reference numerals,whereas differing parts are designated by the same numerals primed. Thisembodiment is identical to the first alternative embodiment except thatthe lips 73' of the funnel 57' in this embodiment are not folded backupon themselves but are merely inserted between the leading transversemarginal portions of elements 4' and 5' as shown, and lips 73 do nothave moisture-sensitive coupling means 76 on their interior surfaces forsealing the lips closed after the processing composition has passedbetween them. As will be seen, however, this embodiment does have thecohesive coupling means 88 on the interior or inward-facing surfaces ofthe leading transverse marginal portions of elements 4 and 5' forcoupling those portions together after lips 73' have been withdrawntherefrom.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tothe illustrated preferred and alternative embodiments thereof, but itwill be understood that variations and modifications can be effectedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention,

I claim:

1. In a self-processing film unit comprising:

a pair of preregistered, superposed elements including a layer ofphotosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image of asubject to which said photosensitive material can be exposed and a layerof image-recording material for recording a visible image in response todevelopment of the latent image, each of said elements having first andsecond longitudinal marginal portions along which said elements arepermanently coupled to each other, first and second transverse marginalportions interconnecting said longitudinal marginal portions, and animage portion intermediate said marginal portions, each portion of eachelement having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface ofone element facing a corresponding inwardfacing surface of the otherelement, said elements being separable from each other at theinwardfacing surfaces of their first transverse marginal and imageportions so that a processing composition adapted to effect developmentof the latent image and recording of the visible image can be suppliedbetween said first transverse marginal portions to said image portions;

means for supplying said processing composition between said firsttransverse marginal portions to said image portions, said supplyingmeans including a rupturable pod containing said processing compositionand means for directing said composition from said pod, when ruptured,between said first transverse marginal portions to said image portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means having a first endportion coupled to said pod for receiving said composition from saidpod, when ruptured, and a second end portion removably disposed betweenand adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of said first transversemarginal portions for directing said composition, when received fromsaid pod, to said image portions, and means on the inward-facing surfaceof at least one of said first transverse marginal portions for couplingsaid first transverse marginal portions to each other upon applicationof a compressive force urging said first transverse marginal portionstogether after the processing composition has been supplied to saidimage portions. 2. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on theinward-facing surface of each of said first transverse marginal portionsfor coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other aftersaid second end portion of said directing means has been removedtherefrom.

3. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcoupling means includes moisturesensitive coupling means for couplingsaid first transverse marginal portions to each other after saidcomposition has passed therebetween.

5. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said secondend portion of said directing means has moisture-sensitive means thereonfor sealing said second end portion closed after said composition haspassed therethrough.

6. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprisingmeans adjacent to said second transverse marginal portions for receivingand retaining any excess portion of said composition from said imageportions.

7. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising aleader underlying said elements and said supplying means, said leaderbeing removably couped to said first and second longitudinal marginalportions of one of said elements and permanently coupled to saidsupplying means.

8. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 7 further comprising aforce-receiving member permanently coupled to said leader under parallelwith said first transverse marginal portions of said elements to assistthe compressive force, when applied to said member, in urging said firsttransverse marginal portions together.

9. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein saiddirecting means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of saidsheets having first and sec-. ond logitudinal edge portions along whichsaid sheets are permanently coupled to each other and first and secondtransverse edge portions forming, respectively, said first and secondend portions, said second transverse edge portion of each sheet beingremovably disposed between, and adjacent to the inward-facing surface ofa respective one of, said first transverse marginal portions of saidelements, said sheets being separable from each other between saidlongitudinal edge portions so that said composition can pass from saidfirst end portion between said sheets to said second end portion.

10. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 9 wherein said secondtransverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itself toprovide a backfolded portion and an underlying main portion between saidfirst transverse marginal portions of said elements, said back-foldedportion of each second transverse edge portion being adjacent to theinward-facing surface of a respective one of said first transversemarginal portions.

11. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein saidcoupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facingsurface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for couplingsaid first transverse marginal portions to each other after said secondtransverse edge portions of said sheets have been removed therefrom.

12. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein saidcoupling means includes moisturesensitive coupling means for couplingsaid first transverse marginal portions to each other after saidcomposition has passed therebetween.

13. The selfprocessing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein saidunderlying main portion of each second transverse edge portion hasmoisture-sensitive means thereon for coupling said underlying mainportions together after said composition has passed therebetween.

14. In a self-processing film unit comprising:

a pair of superposed elements including a layer of photosensitivematerial for establishing a developable latent image and a layer ofimage-recording material for recording a visible image, each of saidelements having first and second lateral border portions along whichsaid elements are coupled to each other, first and second transverseborder portions interconnecting said lateral border portions, and animage portion intermediate said border portions, each portion of eachelement having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface ofone element facing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the otherelement, said elements being separable from each other at theinward-facing surface of their first transverse border and imageportions so that a processing composition for developing the latentimage and recording the visible image can be supplied between said firsttransverse border portions to said image portions;

means for supplying said processing composition to said image portions,said supplying means including a rupturable pod containing saidprocessing composition and means for directing said composition fromsaid pod, when ruptured, between said first transverse border portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means and said firsttransverse border portions being disposed in separable overlappingcontact with each other, and means on the inward-facing surface of atleast one of said first transverse border portions for coupling saidfirst transverse border portions to each other upon application of acompressive force urging said first transverse border portions togetherafter said processing composition has been supplied to said imageportions.

15. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein saidcoupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facingsurface of each of said first transverse border portions for couplingsaid first transverse border portions to each otherupon ap plication ofthe compressive force.

16. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein saidcoupling means includes moistureactivated coupling means for couplingsaid first transverse border portions to each other after saidcomposition has passed therebetween.

17. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein saiddirecting means is folded back upon itself to provide a back-foldedportion and an adjacent main portion, said back-folded portion being incontact with said first transverse border portions.

18. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein saiddirecting means has moisture-activated means thereon for sealing saiddirecting means closed after said composition has passed therethrough.

19. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 further comprisingmeans adjacent to said second transverse border portions for receivingand retaining any excess portion of said composition from said imageportions.

20. The self-processing film unit laimed in claim 14 further comprisinga carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, saidcarrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanentlycoupled to said supplying means.

21. The self-processing film Elli claimed in claim further comprising aforce-redivin g member permanently coupled to said carrier under andparallel with said first transverse border portions of said elements toassist the compressive force, when applied to said member, in urgingsaid first transverse border portions together. I g

22. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein saiddirecting means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of saidsheets having a first and second lateral edge portions along wich saidsheets are coupled to each other and first and second transverse edgeportions, said first transverse edge portons being coupled to said podfor receiving said composition from said pod, when ruptured, said secondtransverse edge portions and said first transverse portions of saidelements being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each otherfor directing said composition to said image portions, said sheets beingseparable from each other between said lateral edge portions so thatsaid composition can pass from said first transverse edge portionsbetween said sheets to said second transverse edge portions.

23. The self-processing film unit calimed in claim 22 wherein saidsecond transverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itselfto provide abackfolded portion and and adjacent main portion, eachback-folded portion being in contact with a respective one of said firsttransverse border portions.

24. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein saidcoupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facingsurface of each of said first transverse border portions for couplingsaid first transverse border portions to each other upon application ofthe compressive force.

25. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein saidcoupling means includes moistureactivated coupling means for couplingsaid first transverse border portions to each other after saidcomposition has passed therebetween.

26. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein each sheethas moisture-activated means thereon for coupling said sheets togetherafter said composition has passed therebetween.

27. In a self-pocessing film unit comprising:

a pair of coupled superposed elements including material for recording aphotographic iage, each of said elements having leading and trailing endportions and an image portion intermediate said end portions, eachportion of each element having an inward-facing surface, eachinward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inwardfacingsurface of the other element, said elements being separable from eachother at the inwardfacing surfaces of their leading end and imageportions; and

means for supplying a processing composition to said image portions,said supplying means including a processing composition source exteriorof said elements and means for directing procdssing composition fromsaid source in between said leading end portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means and said leading endportions being disposed in separable overlapping contact with eachother, said directing means being folded back upon itself to provide aback-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-foldedportion being in contact with said leading end portions.

28. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 wherein saidback-folded and main portions of said directing means are disposedbetween the inward-facing surfaces of said leading end portions, saidback-folded portion being in separable contact with said inwardfacingsurfaces.

29. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprisingmeans adjacent to said trailing end portions for receiving and retainingany excess portion of said composition from said image portions.

30. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprisinga carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, saidcarrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanentlycoupled to said supplying means.

31. In a film assemblage comprising at least one selfprocessing filmunit, said self-processing film unit comprising a pair of superposedelements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing adevelopable latent image and a layer of image-recording material forrecording a visible image, said elements being separable from each otherat inward-facing surfaces or border portions and at image portions sothat a processing composition can pass between said surfaces and saidimage portions, and composition container means in communication withsaid elements for holding the processing composition, said compositionbeing transferale between said container means and said image portions,the improvement comprising means provided on at least one of theinward-facing surfaces of said border portions for coupling said borderportions to each other upon application ,of a compressive force urgingsaid border portions together after the processing composition istransferred between said container means and said image portions, andsaid container means is adapted to be moved out'of communication withsaid elements after at least a portion of said composition istransferred between said container means and said image portions.

2. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcoupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facingsurface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for couplingsaid first transverse marginal portions to each other after said secondend portion of said directing means has been removed therefrom.
 3. Theself-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling meansincludes moisture-sensitive coupling means for coupling said firsttransverse marginal portions to each other after said composition haspassed therebetween.
 4. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1wherein said second end portion of said directing means is folded backupon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an underlying mainportion between said first transverse marginal portions of saidelements, said back-folded portion being adjacent to the inward-facingsurfaces of said first transverse marginal portions.
 5. Theself-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said second endportion of said directing means has moisture-sensitive means thereon forsealing said second end portion closed after said composition has passedtherethrough.
 6. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1further comprising means adjacent to said second transverse marginalportions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of saidcomposition from said image portions.
 7. The self-processing film unitclaimed in claim 1 further comprising a leader underlying said elementsand said supplying means, said leader being removably coupled to saidfirst and second longitudinal marginal portions of one of said elementsand permanently coupled to said supplying means.
 8. The self-processingfilm unit claimed in claim 7 further comprising a force-receiving memberpermanently coupled to said leader under and parallel with said firsttransverse marginal portions of said elements to assist the compressiveforcE, when applied to said member, in urging said first transversemarginal portions together.
 9. The self-processing film unit claimed inclaim 1 wherein said directing means includes a pair of superposedsheets, each of said sheets having first and second longitudinal edgeportions along which said sheets are permanently coupled to each otherand first and second transverse edge portions forming, respectively,said first and second end portions, said second transverse edge portionof each sheet being removably disposed between, and adjacent to theinward-facing surface of a respective one of, said first transversemarginal portions of said elements, said sheets being separable fromeach other between said longitudinal edge portions so that saidcomposition can pass from said first end portion between said sheets tosaid second end portion.
 10. The self-processing film unit claimed inclaim 9 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet isfolded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and anunderlying main portion between said first transverse marginal portionsof said elements, said back-folded portion of each second transverseedge portion being adjacent to the inward-facing surface of a respectiveone of said first transverse marginal portions.
 11. The self-processingfilm unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said coupling means includescohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of saidfirst transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transversemarginal portions to each other after said second transverse edgeportions of said sheets have been removed therefrom.
 12. Theself-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said couplingmeans includes moisture-sensitive coupling means for coupling said firsttransverse marginal portions to each other after said composition haspassed therebetween.
 13. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim10 wherein said underlying main portion of each second transverse edgeportion has moisture-sensitive means thereon for coupling saidunderlying main portions together after said composition has passedtherebetween.
 14. In a self-processing film unit comprising: a pair ofsuperposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material forestablishing a developable latent image and a layer of image-recordingmaterial for recording a visible image, each of said elements havingfirst and second lateral border portions along which said elements arecoupled to each other, first and second transverse border portionsinterconnecting said lateral border portions, and an image portionintermediate said border portions, each portion of each element havingan inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one elementfacing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, saidelements being separable from each other at the inward-facing surfacesof their first transverse border and image portions so that a processingcomposition for developing the latent image and recording the visibleimage can be supplied between said first transverse border portions tosaid image portions; means for supplying said processing composition tosaid image portions, said supplying means including a rupturable podcontaining said processing composition and means for directing saidcomposition from said pod, when ruptured, between said first transverseborder portions; the improvement comprising said directing means andsaid first transverse border portions being disposed in separableoverlapping contact with each other, and means on the inward-facingsurface of at least one of said first transverse border portions forcoupling said first transverse border portions to each other uponapplication of a compressive force urging said first transverse borderportions together after said processing composition has been supplied tosaid image portions.
 15. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim14 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on theInward-facing surface of each of said first transverse border portionsfor coupling said first transverse border portions to each other uponapplication of the compressive force.
 16. The self-processing film unitclaimed in claim 14 wherein said coupling means includesmoisture-activated coupling means for coupling said first transverseborder portions to each other after said composition has passedtherebetween.
 17. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14wherein said directing means is folded back upon itself to provide aback-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-foldedportion being in contact with said first transverse border portions. 18.The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directingmeans has moisture-activated means thereon for sealing said directingmeans closed after said composition has passed therethrough.
 19. Theself-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 further comprising meansadjacent to said second transverse border portions for receiving andretaining any excess portion of said composition from said imageportions.
 20. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 furthercomprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means,said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements andpermanently coupled to said supplying means.
 21. The self-processingfilm unit claimed in claim 20 further comprising a force-receivingmember permanently coupled to said carrier under and parallel with saidfirst transverse border portions of said elements to assist thecompressive force, when applied to said member, in urging said firsttransverse border portions together.
 22. The self-processing film unitclaimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means includes a pair ofsuperposed sheets, each of said sheets having a first and second lateraledge portions along which said sheets are coupled to each other andfirst and second transverse edge portions, said first transverse edgeportions being coupled to said pod for receiving said composition fromsaid pod, when ruptured, said second transverse edge portions and saidfirst transverse portions of said elements being disposed in separableoverlapping contact with each other for directing said composition tosaid image portions, said sheets being separable from each other betweensaid lateral edge portions so that said composition can pass from saidfirst transverse edge portions between said sheets to said secondtransverse edge portions.
 23. The self-processing film unit claimed inclaim 22 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet isfolded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and andadjacent main portion, each back-folded portion being in contact with arespective one of said first transverse border portions.
 24. Theself-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein said couplingmeans includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface ofeach of said first transverse border portions for coupling said firsttransverse border portions to each other upon application of thecompressive force.
 25. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23wherein said coupling means includes moisture-activated coupling meansfor coupling said first transverse border portions to each other aftersaid composition has passed therebetween.
 26. The self-processing filmunit claimed in claim 23 wherein each sheet has moisture-activated meansthereon for coupling said sheets together after said composition haspassed therebetween.
 27. In a self-processing film unit comprising: apair of coupled superposed elements including material for recording aphotographic image, each of said elements having leading and trailingend portions and an image portion intermediate said end portions, eachportion of each element having an inward-facing surface, eachinward-facing surface of one element facing a correspondinginward-facing surface of the other element, said elements beingseparable frOm each other at the inward-facing surfaces of their leadingend and image portions; and means for supplying a processing compositionto said image portions, said supplying means including a processingcomposition source exterior of said elements and means for directingprocessing composition from said source in between said leading endportions; the improvement comprising said directing means and saidleading end portions being disposed in separable overlapping contactwith each other, said directing means being folded back upon itself toprovide a back-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, saidback-folded portion being in contact with said leading end portions. 28.The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 wherein saidback-folded and main portions of said directing means are disposedbetween the inward-facing surfaces of said leading end portions, saidback-folded portion being in separable contact with said inward-facingsurfaces.
 29. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 furthercomprising means adjacent to said trailing end portions for receivingand retaining any excess portion of said composition from said imageportions.
 30. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 furthercomprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means,said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements andpermanently coupled to said supplying means.
 31. In a film assemblagecomprising at least one self-processing film unit, said self-processingfilm unit comprising a pair of superposed elements including a layer ofphotosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image anda layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image, saidelements being separable from each other at inward-facing surfaces orborder portions and at image portions so that a processing compositioncan pass between said surfaces and said image portions, and compositioncontainer means in communication with said elements for holding theprocessing composition, said composition being transferable between saidcontainer means and said image portions, the improvement comprisingmeans provided on at least one of the inward-facing surfaces of saidborder portions for coupling said border portions to each other uponapplication of a compressive force urging said border portions togetherafter the processing composition is transferred between said containermeans and said image portions, and said container means is adapted to bemoved out of communication with said elements after at least a portionof said composition is transferred between said container means and saidimage portions.